New Season

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

#Religion #Christianity #City Harbor Church

36:27

Not many artists actually hail from Tennessee, but the scenic valleys and rolling hills of The Volunteer State are part of Dustin Lynch’s DNA. In this episode of On the Bus, Country Thunder CEO Troy Vollhoffer sits down with Dustin to discuss his journey from playing fraternity parties and weddings across the southeast to being the first country artist with a club residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Plus, stick around for our new segment, Thunder Strike, where Troy features upcoming festival performer Riley Green’s hit song “Damn Good Day to Leave” to give you a taste of what’s to come at Country Thunder in 2025.…

год назад 34:27

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This morning we spend time in prayer that is prompted by the Scriptures we have studied in recent weeks. We talk about the implications of these truths. As individuals and as a church, we are headed into a new season. We listen to the Scriptures through which God speaks to us guidance and perspective. We close with an important announcement about new modes for us as a church.

Ephesians 4:23
Isaiah 56:7 with Matthew 21:13 and Mark 11:17
Romans 8:1, 11
2 Timothy 1:7
Acts 26:18

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City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

New Season

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

published год назад

MP3•Главная эпизода

Ephesians 4:23
Isaiah 56:7 with Matthew 21:13 and Mark 11:17
Romans 8:1, 11
2 Timothy 1:7
Acts 26:18

50 эпизодов

#Religion #Christianity #City Harbor Church

Minden epizód

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Atonement Proven 38:42

7 дней назад38:42

38:42

Romans 4:24-25 Jesus was raised from the dead to save us (for our atonement). · What is the importance of the resurrection of Jesus? · Why was the resurrection of Jesus necessary? · What are the evidences of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead? “It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” – Romans 4:24-25 ESV “It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” – Romans 4:24-25 NLT What is the importance of the resurrection of Jesus? 1. Essential element of Jesus Christ’s identity as Savior, Lord, and victorious King – Romans 4:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15 2. Foundational to all Christian faith – 1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-28 NLT Without the resurrection of Jesus, we are still guilty in our sins with no hope of forgiveness or eternal life. Jesus must then be a liar or lunatic. The resurrection of Jesus is most important. 3. The number of more than 100 New Testament references indicates its importance – Romans 4:25; 5:10 4. Peter emphasizes the resurrection – Acts 1:22; 2:24, 32 5. Paul emphasizes the resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15; Acts 13:30, 34; 17:31 Why was the resurrection of Jesus necessary? 1. Fulfills Jesus’ predictions, authenticates his identity, and confirms his purpose – Matthew 16:21; 17:22, 23; 27:63; John 10:17-18; 2:19 2. Fulfills the plan of atonement and redemption – John 11:23-27; 1 Corinthians 15: 1, 4, 14, 17-22 3. Fulfills Old Testament prophecies – Isaiah 53:10; Psalms 16:10 What are the evidences of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead? Matthew 28:1-10 NLT Acts 1:3 NLT 1. There were many witnesses – Matthew 28:1-10, 16; Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:5-6 2. The missing body – Matthew 28:1-6 3. The empty tomb – Matthew 28:1-6 4. The stone rolled away – Matthew 28:1-6 5. The broken Roman seal – Matthew 27:66-28:6 6. The empty grave clothes – John 20:2, 7 7. The surprised guard – Matthew 28:2-4 8. The transformed disciples – Matthew 28; Acts 1-5 9. The Christian Church – Acts 1-6 10. The books of the New Testament 11. External documentary evidence “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” – Romans 5:8-11 NLT What do we learn? 1. God has shown us his love through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 2. God atoned our sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 3. Through his resurrection Jesus Christ has shown power over sin and death. What should we do? 1. Receive atonement, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. 2. Daily choose gratitude for our salvation. 3. Share the Good News of Jesus with those around you. Bible study notes from Ken Malmin of Portland Bible College…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Atonement Received 51:56

14 дней назад51:56

51:56

2 Corinthians 5:15 Today: Why didn’t God eliminate the possibility of sin? Who did Jesus die for? How does atonement work? We have many evidences of brokenness, disorder, and sin in our world: wars, chaos in nature, crime, immorality, accusing thoughts, death, violence, conflict, and broken relationships. “Humanity’s deepest need is for salvation – not just from the evil in the world, but from the evil in our own hearts.” – Purple Book I. Why didn’t God eliminate the possibility of sin, in the beginning? Understanding Sin: To understand the Biblical concept of sin, we should begin with the logic of why it exists. Why is the possibility of sin a logical necessity? Why didn’t God just eliminate the possibility of sin in the beginning? “Creating humanity with a free will was the risk love had to take in order for love to be fulfilled.” Chain of Logic: 1. Creation purpose: love relationship. 2. Relational fulfillment -> free will choice to respond. 3. More than one will -> possible conflict. 4. Potential for conflicts and/or harmony between free wills. 5. Harmony in society = order. 6. Basis for order -> common standard law, communication of relational expectations. 7. Enforcement of standard requires authority. 8. Effectiveness of authority -> obedience. 9. Disobedience = violation of the relational purpose and its implications. Jesus teaches, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15 NKJV Sin is anything contrary to the will and nature of God. The essence of sin: self-centeredness, self-will against God’s will. Sin exists when free-will becomes self-centered and the laws of God are broken. 1 John 3:4-6, 5:17-20 James 4:17 Romans 3:23-26, 14:13 Definitions of New Testament Greek words for sin: 1. Missing the target, falling short 2. Refusing to hear and disobeying a voice 3. Inward resistance and outward breaking of law 4. Crossing a boundary line 5. Falling away from uprightness 6. Ignorance of what should have been known 7. Diminishing from what should have been full “The best way to avoid sin is to see ourselves through God’s eyes, receive and respond to His love, and live consistent with His nature and purpose.” II. Who did Jesus die for? Provision & Extent We know that God provided salvation through the redemptive work of Christ, but how far does the provision extend? Did Jesus die for everyone or only for those that are saved? 1. “He died for all, so that they who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” – 2 Corinthians 5:15 LSB 2. “Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” – Hebrews 2:9 LSB 3. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” – John 3:16-18 LSB 4. “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the witness for this proper time.” – 1 Timothy 2:3-6 LSB 5. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 LSB “If Jesus died for all, then are all actually saved?” III. How Does Atonement Work? God is the initiator. We are responders. A critical Biblical tension: Divine Sovereignty & Human Responsibility How is the atonement realized? How does it come to pass in our experience? There are two parts to the answer: God’s part and mankind’s part. God is sovereign over our redemption, meaning He decides who will be saved. Humans are responsible to respond to God’s offer of salvation, meaning God does not force salvation on anyone. God provides sovereignly but we must respond responsibly. “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” – 1 Timothy 4:10 ESV “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 LSB “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 ESV “And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” – Hebrews 5:9 ESV How Atonement Works | Provision (Giving) | | Application (Receiving) | Savior of all men | 1 Timothy 4:10 | Especially of those that believe | For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son | John 3:16 | That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life | He shall save | Matthew 1:21 | His people | He became the author of eternal salvation | Hebrews 5:9 | Unto all them that obey Him What do we learn? 1. God has shown us his love through Jesus Christ. 2. God atoned our sin through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. 3. This once and for all time sacrifice makes a way for us to be forgiven by God and cleansed from our moral guilt. 4. We should receive and respond to God’s atonement. What should we do? 1. Receive atonement, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. 2. Daily choose gratitude as we learn more about this atonement. – Jesus paid it all receipt and Kingdom graphic – share it 3. Participate in Wednesdays Bible study: How Atonement Works & God Initiates Salvation with Grace Bible study notes from Ken Malmin of Portland Bible College…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Atonement Given 39:03

21 день назад39:03

39:03

2 Corinthians 5:21 How did Jesus Christ view his own death? 1. He predicted it [Matthew 16:21] “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.” – LSB 2. He taught that it had universal significance [John 12:32] “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” – LSB 3. He affirmed that it had a definite bearing on the spirit-world [John 12:31] “Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” – LSB 4. He linked His incarnation and crucifixion together [John 12:27] “Now MY SOUL HAS BECOME DISMAYED; and what shall I say, ‘Father, SAVE ME from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.’” – LSB 5. He declared that it was vicarious and substitutionary [Matthew 26:28] “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” – LSB 6. He died by His own volition [Matthew 27:50] “Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.” – LSB 7. He prayed that it would glorify God [John 12:28] “Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” – LSB Christ’s Death was Substitutionary 1. He died in our place 2. He bore our sin 3. He received our punishment What did Jesus followers believe about his death? 2 Corinthians 5:21 Isaiah 53:1-11 2 Corinthians 1:10 What do we learn? 1. God has shown us his love through Jesus Christ. 2. God atoned our sin through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. 3. This once and for all time sacrifice makes a way for us to be forgiven by God and cleansed from our moral guilt. What should we do? 1. Receive atonement, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. 2. Daily choose gratitude as we learn more about this atonement. Bible study notes from Ken Malmin of Portland Bible College…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Atonement Needed 38:12

26 дней назад38:12

38:12

Romans 3:23-26 Atonement – to cover, the process of God covering our sin, and clothing us in His righteousness What state does the Bible describe us in? “You were dead in your transgressions and sins.” – Ephesians 2:1 NIV What does sin do to our relationship with God? “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” – Isaiah 59:1-2 ESV Describe sinful humanity’s desperate condition, from Romans 3:23-26: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” – Romans 3:23-26 ESV Romans 1:1-6, 16-19 also helpful Propitiation – the means by which sins are forgiven The holiness of God: 1. Holiness is a moral attribute of God. Psalms 47:8 2. Humanity is designed for holiness – to reflect the nature of God. Genesis 1:26-28 Divine law = an expression of God’s holiness and purpose Humanity violated the law of God and became sinful. Isaiah 59:2 Romans 3:23 The wrath of God = the reaction of God’s holiness against humanity’s sinfulness, Romans 1:18-19, 32 Atonement – to cover, reconciles; the appeasement of God’s wrath so that sinful humanity can be reconciled back to a holy God Wrath vs Love 1. Both the wrath and love of God must be satisfied. 2. It is the love of God that fuels the wrath of God. 3. The cross is a display of both God’s wrath and love. 4. How does the atonement solve the dilemma between God’s wrath and God’s love? a. God deals in holiness with sin. b. God deals in love with the sinner. What did Jesus do for us on the cross? “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:24-25 ESV “ Humanity’s deepest need is for salvation – not just from the evil in the world, but from the evil in our own hearts.” – Purple Book “God is committed to us no matter what. That is why He sent Jesus to earth to bring us back into relationship with Him. Jesus couldn’t have done what He did if He hadn’t been who He was!” – Ken Malmin What did Jesus do to save us? He died to save us. The death of Christ was: 1. Historical – Jesus really did die 2. Unique – Jesus was the only sinless human to have ever died 3. Incomparable – for this reason, Jesus’ death cannot be compared to that of any other 4. Theological – Jesus’ death has great significance “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,” – 1 Corinthians 15:3 Christ’s death was an atoning death. 1. Christ died – it was an historical event 2. For our sins – He died for us all, not for Himself 3. According to the Scriptures – it was a pre-arranged plan Some content from Ken Malmin’s PBC Atonement notes and some from the Purple Book by Rice Broocks and Steve Murrell…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Salt and Light 2 43:00

5 weeks назад43:00

43:00

Matthew 5:1-16 Intro: The Good News of Jesus Christ is God’s redeeming grace to us. When Jesus Christ becomes our King/Lord & Savior we are welcomed into the Kingdom of God. This is to be “born again” (or “born from above”), receiving the new spiritual life that Jesus described in John 3. In this way the Kingdom of God is internal (spiritual) and it brings about external evidence. Kingdom of God – the rule of God in the hearts of people “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you (or within you or within your grasp) .’” – Luke 17:20–21 ESV In Luke 14, Jesus teaches that God who “invited many” including the “poor and crippled and blind and lame” to the blessing of His “great banquet” of the Kingdom. Jesus followed this with the call to follow him, in sacrifice of the carnal flesh, and referring to the analogy of being good “salt”, in Luke 14. It is then seen in evidence, from the inside out, in our lives. “The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17 Context: Jesus teaches about the interaction between Father God and those he blesses, in Matthew 5:1-10. Jesus highlights the connection between the condition of our spiritual hearts and our actions. In our second look at Jesus’ use of the “salt and light” analogies, we return to Matthew 5:3-10 for instruction on how we can be “salt and light” to our circles of influence. How do we bring salt and light? Focus on spiritual heart condition becoming actions. 1. Gracious Humility realizing our need for God, we receive more than enough grace and from God and relate to God and our world with humility, Matthew 5:3-5 2. Righteousness recognizing the value of the holiness and righteous justice of God, we desire that all humanity would come into alignment with God, Matthew 5:6 3. Mercy receiving mercy from God through faith in Jesus, we choose to be longsuffering, patient, slow to anger, and we freely give God-sourced forgiveness to others, Matthew 5:7 4. Spiritual Purity receiving spiritual cleansing from moral guilt, gracious forgiveness, and love from God, we choose to love God with wholehearted devotion and share love with others out of genuine pure motives, Matthew 5:8 5. Peacemaking having been reconciled to Father God through faith in Jesus, we extend forgiveness to others and make every effort possible to repair relationships and restore our communities through building relational bridges of peace, Matthew 5:9 6. Integrity having been made right through faith in Jesus, we choose a lifestyle of wholehearted devotion to God which includes living in alignment with God’s definition of what is right and what is wrong, Matthew 5:10 Circles of Influence – Matthew 5:13-16 We’re invited to wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ and lifting up his light of Good News for all to see. We do this through our heartfelt lifestyle of love and committed to God. Our interactions with other people have varying degrees of influence on them. This influence can happen through verbal and non-verbal communication. We may influence others with ideas we initiate. We may also influence others in how we respond to life’s circumstances. Jesus is teaching, inviting his followers to participate in the expansion of the Kingdom of God. Using the analogies of salt and light, Jesus teaches an active role for us in bringing others into a relationship of being influenced by God. Where God has the most influence we find the Kingdom of God. Here and now, we are given opportunity to participate in the Kingdom of God, on this earth. Vin diagram analogy from the Bible Project. We pray and participate. We pray, “Let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We participate by helping others take next steps in following Jesus, extending the Jesus’ Movement for the Kingdom of God through the local church. Here and now, anywhere that Jesus is recognized as King is an expansion (even in small circles) of God’s Kingdom. We can lose less energy to stress and become more effective in applying Jesus’ teaching by learning about Stephen Covey’s 3 Circles. In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey writes about a person’s circles of concern, influence, and control. “concern” – our lives, health, family, problems, current events “control” – how much we are able to direct, able to shape, manipulate “influence” – what we can do something about “Positive energy enlarges the circle of influence. Proactive people focus their efforts in the circle of influence. They work on the things they can do something about. The nature of their energy is positive, enlarging and magnifying, causing their circle of influence to increase. Reactive people, on the other hand, focus their efforts in the circle of concern. They focus on the weakness of other people, the problems in the environment, and circumstances over which they have no control. Their focus results in blaming and accusing attitudes, reactive language, and increased feelings of victimization. The negative energy generated by that focus, combined with the neglect in areas they could do something about, causes their circle of influence to shrink.” – Stephen Covey What do we learn? 1. The teaching of Jesus is helpful for our understanding and perspective of our natural world and the Kingdom of God. 2. Jesus teaches that we’re invited to receive salvation and participate in the Kingdom of God. In this way we can participate in the positive redemptive changes God is making here and now. What should we do about this? 1. Pray, asking God to help us see and repent of any impurity. 2. Pray, asking God to shape the condition of our spiritual hearts. 3. Pray, asking God what we should do to share his light of Jesus’ Good News. 4. Consider how we can bring the flavor of God’s blessed covenant to our circles of influence.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Salt and Light 33:21

6 weeks назад33:21

33:21

– Matthew 5:13-16 Context: The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-16, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God. Jesus teaching about those who have received salvation through faith in the grace given by God and are responding in wholehearted devotion. We read about the heart condition of such people and how God shows his blessed approval of them. Jesus is teaching that God’s blessing invites us into relationship with him and his kingdom. Who is God? · One True Living God – Jer. 10:10-12 Psalm 18:46 1 Thess. 1:9 · Life-Giver: Provider & Protector Matt. 7:11 Jn. 14:14 2 Sam. 22:2-7 Psalms 138:7 · Creator & Redeemer Gen. 1:1 Isa. 44:24 43:1 Col. 1:15-28 · Good Father, Relational – Gen. 1:26-28 Isa 64:8 Matt. 6:26-33 · Rewarder of those who seek – Heb. 11:6 Who are we? · Someone who God loved and gave identity, value, and purpose. Gen. 1:26-28 · Jesus follower Lk. 9:23-24 Jn. 13:34-35 · Child of God Jn. 1:12-13 1 Jn. 3:1 Rom. 8:16-17 · Coheir with Christ Rom. 8:17 · Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation 1 Peter 2:9 God’s story line tells us 4 things: 1. What God wants for us (Creation) 2. What happened to us and what went wrong with the world (Fall) 3. What God has done in Jesus Christ to put things right (Redemption) 4. How history will turn out in the end as a result (Restoration) – Timothy Keller Good News of Jesus Christ: What God has done and will yet do. To help us learn what this means, Jesus teaches with two analogies: salt and light. 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ” – Matthew 5:13-16 ESV “ Salt of the Land” – Matthew 5:13 For thousands of years, people without refrigeration used salt to preserve food. Jesus teaches with an analogy of the value and use of pure salt. “Pure salt cannot lose its taste. In the ancient world, what was often sold as salt was highly adulterated and the sodium chloride could leach out in humid weather, in which case the residue (normally a form of lime) would be useless.” – Louw-Nida Greek-English Lexicon Salt is associated with God’s long lasting covenant promises, in Leviticus 2:13, Numbers 18:19, 2 Chronicles 13:5. “God showed his love by choosing people to be partners with him, blessing them so that they could together spread life to those around them.” – The Bible Project As we continue this partnership with God, it is by choice…a current choice and a continued choice of wholehearted devotion to God. Breaking covenant or rejecting God’s way is how people may “lose their saltiness”. What a contrast! Preserving the covenant with God and sharing it with others brings a Kingdom-of-God-type of spiritual preservation, “saltiness”. “ City on a Hill” – Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God, using powerful imagery that they were familiar with. The prophet Isaiah saw the “mountain of the house of the Lord” as being recognized by people of all nations, in the “latter days”, in Isaiah 2. People would be drawn to this elevated “house of the Lord”, saying “Come let us go to the mountain of the Lord…that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths”, Isaiah 2:3. “Let us walk in the light of the Lord.” – Isaiah 2:5 “The Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” – Isaiah 2:17 It will be a heavenly city, and its light will be like the dawn of a new creation. Jesus is teaching with this imagery. Jesus applies this promise to himself and his followers. God is bringing about the Good News, of loving promise, and the Kingdom of God here and now (fulfilled in Jesus at that time and on the day to come). The whole world will be able to see this goodness. Jesus calls his followers to not hide their “light under a basket”, but let it shine through the heart condition and behaviors referenced in his teaching, (including Matthew 5:3-12). This includes acts of service for people in need and generosity to the poor. The followers of Jesus hunger for right relationships and work for peace. “As they do they bring down more and more of the light of God’s Kingdom from Heaven to earth.” – Bible Project Jon Collins & Tim Mackey This Light is powerful and beneficial. It is what our world needs more than anything else. Some of the 5,000 plus shipwrecks found in North Carolina’s Outerbanks were led to their destruction by false lights set out by pirates. These robbers would wait for cargo ships to crash, while following their mini fake lighthouses, and then scoop up the valuable supplies that drifted ashore. Some people are shipwrecked by following false lights. Paul warns New Testament believers against “false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves,” and of the enemy who is “masquerading as an angel of light,” in 2 Corinthians 11:12-15. We’re invited to wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ and lifting up his light of Good News for all to see. We do this through our heartfelt lifestyle of love and committed to God. Circles of Influence Jesus is teaching, inviting his followers to participate in the expansion of the Kingdom of God. Using the analogies of salt and light, Jesus teaches an active role for us in bringing others into a relationship of being influenced by God. Where God has the most influence we find the Kingdom of God. Here and now, we are given opportunity to participate in the Kingdom of God, on this earth. What do we learn? 1. The teaching of Jesus is helpful for our understanding and perspective of our natural world and the Kingdom of God. 2. Jesus teaches that we’re invited to receive salvation and participate in the Kingdom of God. In this way we can participate in the positive redemptive changes God is making here and now. What should we do about this? 1. Pray, asking God to help us see and repent of any impurity. 2. Consider how we can bring the flavor of God’s blessed covenant to our circles of influence. 3. Pray, asking God what we should do to share his light of Jesus’ Good News.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Blessed 3 40:38

7 weeks назад40:38

40:38

Blessed The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-10, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God. Jesus is teaching that God’s blessing invites us into relationship with him and his kingdom. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. … God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” – Matthew 5:3, 10 NLT “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10 NCV “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” – 1 John 4:9 Legacy The Christian story provides us with such a set of lenses, not to look at, but to look through.” – Lesslie Newbigin Waking up to our place in God’s story. God’s story line tells us 4 things: 1. What God wants for us (Creation) 2. What happened to us and what went wrong with the world (Fall) 3. What God has done in Jesus Christ to put things right (Redemption) 4. How history will turn out in the end as a result (Restoration) – Timothy Keller Good News of Jesus Christ: What God has done and will yet do. Repeat Matthew 5:3, 10 Kingdom – reign “kingdominion” Timeline graphic NT: “kingdom of God” “Kingdom of God” – God’s sovereign reign and rule. Teaching of Jesus in Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 5:3, 10, 19, 6:33, Mark 1:15, Luke 6:20. Its fullness is in the future, Luke 13:29, 22:18, yet it has also come in Jesus Himself, Luke 10:9, 17:21. Jesus is sovereign ruler, Ephesians 5:5, 1 Corinthians 15:24. – Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms Donald K. McKim “ I am so tired of waiting, Aren’t you, For the world to become good And beautiful and kind ? Let us take a knife And cut the world in two – And see what worms are eating At the rind.” – Langston Hughes “Tired” “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17 NCV “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:9-13 “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 ESV What do we learn? 1. The teaching of Jesus is helpful for our understanding and perspective of our natural world and the Kingdom of God. 2. Jesus teaches that we’re invited to receive salvation and participate in the Kingdom of God. In this way we can participate in the positive redemptive changes God is making here and now. Matthew 5:1-12 NLT 3. The Kingdom of God is most valuable. 4. God blesses His people. 5. God is aware of our heart condition. 6. God responds to our heart condition. What should we do? 1. Pray, asking God to help us learn more from the teaching of Jesus. 2. Identify our questions and what we are learning from the teaching of Jesus. 3. Share this journey with our church family.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Blessed 2 39:45

8 weeks назад39:45

39:45

Blessed The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-10, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God. Jesus is teaching the Good News and inviting people into the Kingdom of God. “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10 NCV “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” – 1 John 4:9 Legacy How can we describe the Good News in a “story line” to help us understand what the New Testament believers understood? God’s story line tells us 4 things: 1. What God wants for us (Creation) 2. What happened to us and what went wrong with the world (Fall) 3. What God has done in Jesus Christ to put things right (Redemption) 4. How history will turn out in the end as a result (Restoration) – Timothy Keller Good News of Jesus Christ: What God has done and will yet do. Who is God? · One True Living God – Jer. 10:10-12 Psalm 18:46 1 Thess. 1:9 · Life-Giver: Provider & Protector Matt. 7:11 Jn. 14:14 2 Sam. 22:2-7 Psalms 138:7 · Creator & Redeemer Gen. 1:1 Isa. 44:24 43:1 Col. 1:15-28 · Good Father, Relational – Gen. 1:26-28 Isa 64:8 Matt. 6:26-33 · Rewarder of those who seek – Heb. 11:6 Who are we? · Someone who God loved and gave identity, value, and purpose. Gen. 1:26-28 · Jesus follower Lk. 9:23-24 Jn. 13:34-35 · Child of God Jn. 1:12-13 1 Jn. 3:1 Rom. 8:16-17 · Coheir with Christ Rom. 8:17 · Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation 1 Peter 2:9 How does this connect to the teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God? “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:9-13 “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17 NCV “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 ESV What do we learn? 1. The teaching of Jesus is helpful for our understanding and perspective of our natural world and the Kingdom of God. 2. The Kingdom of God is most valuable. 3. God blesses His people. 4. God is aware of our heart condition. 5. God responds to our heart condition. What should we do? 1. Pray, asking God to help us learn more from the teaching of Jesus. 2. Identify our questions and what we are learning from the teaching of Jesus. 3. Share this journey with our church family.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Blessed 1 34:48

9 weeks назад34:48

34:48

The teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5:1-10, helps us learn more about who God is and invites us into a blessed interaction with God. In Blessed – Part One let’s listen to the teaching of Jesus and learn from this word “Blessed”. Matthew 5:1-10 “One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. ‘God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs…’ God’s a “blesser” – it’s who He is – it’s what He do….God’s blessing – approval “God blessed Adam & Eve.” – Genesis 1:28 Blessing is something that God initiated and was first in order before humankind’s calling, purpose, or delegated sphere of authority was given… What we learn from the first mention of the word is that blessing was foundational to humanity’s identity and purpose. At its core, blessing was God the Father’s identity, sense of value, and heart of love, declared and imparted over his creation. It was a statement of identity, affirmation, favor, promise, and inheritance. Blessing would build into the human race the confident assurance that who they were and all they would undertake would carry significance because it flowed from a position of the Father’s blessing. They could be secure because they were loved and blessed by their Father.” – Derrill Corbin Made to Move “It is good.” – God in creation week. God’s promise to Abraham, “blessed to be a blessing,” – Gen. 12:2-3 The blessing that God gave the priests to speak over the people, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: ‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you; Yahweh make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; Yahweh lift up His face on you, And give you peace.’ ‘So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.’” – Numbers 6:23-27 Legacy Jesus blesses the bread” at the Passover table Those who are blessed will be profoundly happy, God initiates relationship by giving love. God is aware of our heart condition. God responds to our heart condition with His blessing, approval, and more. Who is God? One True Living God – Jer. 10:10-12 Psalm 18:46 1 Thess. 1:9 Life-Giver: Provider & Protector Matt. 7:11 Jn. 14:14 2 Sam. 22:2-7 Psalms 138:7 Creator & Redeemer Gen. 1:1 Isa. 44:24 43:1 Col. 1:15-28 Good Father, Relational – Gen. 1:26-28 Isa 64:8 Matt. 6:26-33 Rewarder of those who seek – Heb. 11:6 “This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10 NCV “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” – 1 John 4:9 Legacy God’s story line tells us 4 things: 1. What God wants for us (Creation) 2. What happened to us and what went wrong with the world (Fall) 3. What God has done in Jesus Christ to put things right (Redemption) 4. How history will turn out in the end as a result (Restoration) – Timothy Keller Who are we? Someone who God loved and gave identity, value, and purpose. Gen. 1:26-28 Jesus follower Lk. 9:23-24 Jn. 13:34-35 Child of God Jn. 1:12-13 1 Jn. 3:1 Rom. 8:16-17 Coheir with Christ Rom. 8:17 Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation 1 Peter 2:9 “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17 NCV “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:9-13 “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 ESV Kingdom – reign “kingdominion” What do we learn? 1. The teaching of Jesus is helpful for our understanding and perspective of our natural world and the Kingdom of God. 2. The Kingdom of God is most valuable. 3. God blesses His people. 4. God is aware of our heart condition. 5. God responds to our heart condition. What should we do? 1. Pray, asking God to help us learn more from the teaching of Jesus. 2. Identify our questions and what we are learning from the teaching of Jesus. 3. Share this journey with our church family.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

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Your Kingdom Come 50:23

10 weeks назад50:23

50:23

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (NLT) The kingdom of God is the very essence of God and He wants us to interact with his Kingdom every day. How do we know this? “Give us TODAY our daily bread. We can’t ask for our daily bread today, if we aren’t talking with God every day! What happens when we interact with God every day? Become more like him (pick up someone’s mannerisms/accents) We gain the right perspective (God’s perspective, we can trust him) God’s insight Childlike Mark 10:13-15 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Our behavior changes (inside out) Eph 5:1-20 (NLT) Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes —these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:1-20 (The Message) Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Don’t allow love to turn into lust, setting off a downhill slide into sexual promiscuity, filthy practices, or bullying greed. Though some tongues just love the taste of gossip, those who follow Jesus have better uses for language than that. Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect. You can be sure that using people or religion or things just for what you can get out of them—the usual variations on idolatry—will get you nowhere, and certainly nowhere near the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of God. Don’t let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with him. Don’t even hang around people like that. You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. 1 Peter 2:1-11 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. Leave affected by the Kingdom Righteousness (right relationship with God=your will be done/obedience) Peace Joy Don’t worry, we’ve asked God for what we need for today Worrying crowds out room for righteousness, peace and joy Finally: We take the Kingdom with us! Like the smell on your clothes after you are around a campfire Like bubbles When we abide with Jesus, we have the essence of the Kingdom following us and affecting those around us like blowing bubbles. God’s heart is for you to interact daily with his Kingdom. It will affect you first and foremost, and then it will affect everything around you. Matthew 13:33 Yeast…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
God Rewards 44:16

11 weeks назад44:16

44:16

God Rewards – Hebrews 11:6 Who is God? What is God like? How does God interact with us? “ And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 ESV RSV NASB CSB Context: Holy Spirit inspired letter to Jewish followers of Jesus. Hebrews 11 focus on the decision, by significant people in their history (in ch. 11 order same as Gen. Ex. Josh, Judges, Ruth, Sam, Chron.), to believe in God, and both the “here and now” response of God as well as the coming ultimate fulfillment of their faith upon Christ’s return. Important to note that it speaks of the Old Testament, New Testament, and future Day of the Lord as three spiritual eras. God rewarding faith is the focus (Enoch pleased God so much…). This powerful and memorable verse relates to the teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5. Reward – positive response, recompense, reimbursement, payment, (common word in ancient Roman and Greek cultures) …”earnestly seek him,” – NIV …”sincerely seek him,” – NLT …” must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.” – NCV ”Without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him.” – Hebrews 11:6 TPT “It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 The Message What is Jesus teaching? How are these thoughts connected to Hebrews 11:6 and relevant to us? “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17 NCV summary of Jesus’ teaching Matthew 5:3-10 NLT “ God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” – Matthew 5:3-10 NLT “ Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34 NCV “Ask, and God will give to you. Search , and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8 NCV What do we learn? 1. God provides and rewards with blessing. 2. God responds to those who diligently seek him. What should we do? 1. Pray, asking God to help you remove anything that is getting in the way of your pursuit of him. 2. Write a gratitude list of ways that God has provided for you and rewarded your faithful pursuit of him. 3. Share your list with other people.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
God Provides 43:55

12 weeks назад43:55

43:55

Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus teaches that Father God is a Provider. (return to Sermon on the Mount context) “So I tell you, don’t worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” – Matthew 6:25-27 NCV “And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don’t have so little faith! Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ The people who don’t know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them.” – Matthew 6:28-32 NCV Supporting Passages: 1. God is seen as the Giver of life, love, and purpose. The Provider of all that Adam & Eve needed, in Genesis 1-3. Note: fruit and vegetables were ready-made-meals that required effort. 2. “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’ but remember that the LORD your God gives you the power to gain wealth , in order to confirm his covenant he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” – Deuteronomy 8:17-18 CSB 3. “ Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:5-10 4. “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. (from Greek translation of Proverbs 22:8)’ And God will generously provide all you need . Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. (Psalms 112:9)’ For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 NLT 5. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 RSV “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 RSV “ Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34 NCV “But seek his kingdom , and these things will be provided for you. Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom . Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Luke 12:31-34 CSB (Luke 12:22-24 same teaching as Matthew 6:25-34) “When he said that the one is to be sought first, Jesus clearly intimates that the other is to be sought later—not that it is to be sought at a later time but that it is to be sought as a thing of secondary importance . He showed that the one is to be sought as our good, that the other is to be sought as something needful for us, but that the needful is to be sought for the sake of the good .” Augustine – Sermon on the Mount 2.16.53 What do we learn? 1. God is a Provider, a Giver of more than enough. 2. God’s purpose includes a loving committed relationship with us. 3. God’s provision brings us peace and reduces anxiety. 4. God’s Kingdom is or greater importance than our basic needs. What should we do? 1. Read our selections from Jesus’ teaching. 2. Reflect on the truth that God provides for our needs. 3. Consider our values. What do we care about? 4. Evaluate our priorities. What matters most? What is God’s perspective on our circle of influence?…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Seek First 35:50

13 weeks назад35:50

35:50

We can all “seek first” the Kingdom of God in our prayer and daily living. “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17 NCV What did this subject of Jesus’ teaching mean to the initial audience? Preach – publicly announce spiritual truth and principles while urging acceptance and compliance Repent/Change – change one’s way of life as the result of complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness Kingdom – area ruled by a king, domain, Realm – a region of activity, knowledge, or influence Heaven – the spiritual realm owned and operated under the control of God alone At Hand – near, close, approaching, arriving now and ultimately arriving in the near future Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven – throughout human history Kingdom of God through Jesus and His followers – Jesus Movement: initiated by God’s purpose accomplished through Jesus’ miraculous birth, life, death, burial, resurrection and ultimate fulfillment yet to come upon the return of Jesus to earth Before the ultimate victory of Jesus, the followers of Jesus are commissioned to declare His Good News, follow His teaching and example, while building local churches as expressions of His purpose of God’s Kingdom on earth, urging and teaching others to follow Jesus and participate in this movement. “Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34 NCV Seek – to try to obtain something from someone, to look for something until you find it, Context from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”: (handout) What about my life here and now? Does God care about it? Does God understand what I’m facing? “And when you pray, don’t be like those people who don’t know God. They continue saying things that mean nothing, thinking that God will hear them because of their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him. So when you pray, you should pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name always be kept holy. May your kingdom come and what you want be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us. And do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from the Evil One.’ (The kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours forever.) Amen.’ Yes, if you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:7-15 NCV Let the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray shape how we view God, ourselves, and our purpose. What do we learn from the teaching of Jesus? 1. The Kingdom of God is eternal and most valuable, including the spiritual realm and our natural environment. 2. Here and now, God is accomplishing His passionate purpose through His Kingdom on earth. 3. We are invited to participate in God’s Kingdom here and now. 4. Through the communication of prayer, we are shaped by God’s purpose. 5. There is a vital connection between the Kingdom of God and our daily living. What should we do about this? 1. We should build our lives on the foundation of Jesus’ teaching. 2. We should set our values based on God’s priorities and passionate purpose. 3. We should pray according to Jesus’ teaching. 4. We should plan actions that are based on Jesus’ teaching.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Pray for Expansion – Part Two 44:49

14 weeks назад44:49

44:49

Marked by pain, and yet Jabez asked God for blessing, expansion, God’s presence (guidance), and protection from “trouble and pain”. “There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!’ And God granted him his request.” – 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT “expand my territory” – NLT “enlarge my territory” – NIV “extend my border” – CSB “enlarge my borders” – ESV NASB RSV NETS (ancient Greek translation of Hebrew NT Church) “give me more land” – NCV “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, and your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities.” – Isaiah 54:2–3 ESV The phrase “lengthen your cords” is part of a larger passage in Isaiah 54 that also includes the promise that descendants will dispossess nations and settle in desolate cities. Literal translation would include a bigger house so that we may bless more people. What evidence do we have that New Testament era Jesus-followers followed this principle? 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:42-47 ESV Jesus teaches prayer that brings us into alignment with God’s passionate purpose, not selfishness. – Luke 11:1-10 “I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:2-3 Good News context for “blessed to be a blessing”. Thank you God for salvation through faith in Jesus. I am blessed to be a blessing to others. Abba Father God in Heaven: love gives (life of identity, value, purpose relationship character stewardship reproduction), Provider, Protector, Redeemer (Adam & Eve), Covenant Committed Love (Abraham “blessed to be a blessing” multiplication), New Covenant spiritual life cleansing freedom purpose Jesus Movement, Relationship interaction via the Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:1-4 “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,” agape love includes gracious humility and stewardship for generosity, meeting the needs of others Luke 11:5-10. Increase our Gospel-centered influence, “Jesus Movement”, expanding the reach of God’s love expressed thru Jesus to more and more people, in more and more places. What should we do? 1. List your current areas of stewardship. 2. Pray asking God for wisdom about your circles of influence and possible expansion.…

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

1
Pray for Expansion 41:20

15 weeks назад41:20